Madison times. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1884-1???, 1887-10-29

walk up the long shady street with
that mortgage lifted from her fathers
shoulders3 Her plan had been simple;
she would ask Mr.. Marsh if he could
let the interest run little longer, and
if he agreed and then was cowardly
enough to ask for her love a reward.
why she would promise 10 marry him.
Her own life would be ruined but her
father would be happy, and he should
always be first
Mr. Marsh was sitting in his Otfic
alone gazing into vacancy.
He was a stout. well meaning man Of
forty with tirmness and determination
written upon every Inc of his face;
keen and hard in business transactions,
but scrupulouslv honest; punctual in
his payments. and as punctual in de-
manding his dues. He said once to a
friend, Il am under obligations to no
man, and | wish 20 man to be under
obi cations to me. live up to that.
for it is the only way to establish an
equality"
He had never married because he
thought that no one woman was worth
u life ; devotion. and he was so just,
that If he did not marry no woman but
his wife should ever come INTO IN life.
These were his IDEAS when he first
noticed that Ruth Rodney had changed
from a remarkably pretty school girl
into graceful beautiful woman.
This was two years before the story
opens.
He made a great exertion one even
ing to talk with her and found her not
only clever, but original.
She interested I'm. and he had
reached the age where he liked to be
entertained.
BY degrees almost uncOunsciOusly he
came to the conclusion that she was
the one thing needful to make his life
a success.
1t upset his theories, but what of
that? He asked her to marry him and
she refused.
He had lived so in himself. and for
himself, that such an Idea had never
entered his mind. He had bowed him
self out from her presence, not line
in his face disturbed, and has made a
| firm resolution that in some way she
should be his. By what means time
only would tell.
Now as he sat in his office he was
thinking that Mr. Rodnev's interest
was due, "and it must be paid to-day
he said. cor the house is mine. Rather
unrOmantic. to turn ones love out of
her home, but she could come to me at
anv time, and that might hasten her. "
He heard q slight tap at the door.
Come in," he said, laz ly turning
his head.
"Ah, Miss Rodney" his voice free
from all surprise which he NAV have
felt. this is indeed an unexpected
pleasure. This seat by the window will
suit you am sure"
Ruths cheeks grew pink.
Thank you, Mr.. Marsh" she said
in a low voice, .'but my errand is I'M
pleasant, and prefer to stand. l have
come to beg" Mr.. Marsh raised one
| eyebrow and looked at his large, well
kept hands. Ruth glanced at him des-
perately.
You know my father depends on
his wr NC, and his sickness has put
him back so that he has tile ready
money just now. That int st on the
| mortgage is due today and l have
come to to ask if you would wait a few
months as a great favor. 1t shall sure
ly be paid and"
$50 your father said two months
ago." Interrupted Marsh with a bland
| smile Ruth's ewes flashed, Il though
as favor you would
Excuse me" said Marsh. but may
ask what favors you have ever done
| for me? This is business transaction,
! and YOU know my rule is that, Is | paw
nv creditors. so must my debtors paw
me. Now there is only one way out OF
! this decidedly unpleasant situation for
me to be true to myself and at the sa ME
time benefit YOU. That way is to make
| it into an unbus ness transaction. How
can we do it? Why the easiest way in
the world. You marry me and the
mortgage shall be your wedding pres
ent."
Marsh stood opposite the girl and
calmly waited for her reply; only by
the faint twitching of his under lip
could you see that he was the least ex-
cited.
Ruth's breath came rapidly, her
hands clasped each other covulsively.
Had he seen her eyes then he would
have given her up forever even # his
nature had been far more cruel, but
he was looking at q tiny rip in his
coat
Il have no love for you" the cir
almost whispered the words.
IL do not remember mentioning
L l.. In
now, later"
There will never be ANYTHING later, v
she replied; las | am now. if you wish
me why" She could not finish. but
be was satisfied. His blue ewes grew
dark with successful pride and pass on.
He took her gloved hand tenderly; g
feeling of remorse came over him thai
he had gained her by unfair means, bu
he stifled it and said gu etly. You shal
never regret your decis on, for it mus
be in my power to make you happy,
have wanted you so long"
Something in his words which were
the most manly she had ever hearC
from him touched new chord IN he
nature and she burst into tears. II,
stood awkwardly by and said nothing
which was the very best thing he coulC
have done.
In a few moments she looked up
"My nerves are so unstrung and it i
all so new you will forgive me and lie
inc go now. When l have thought
all over calmly i will be different"
She turned towards the door. b
opened it for her and said. Il under
stand a little, tomorrow | will com